Scientist challenges incumbent in Czech presidential runoff

PRAGUE – The Czechs are electing a new president, with the former head of the Academy of Sciences challenging the pro-Russian incumbent in a runoff vote.

President Milos Zeman and Jiri Drahos advanced to the second round of voting after none of the nine candidates seeking the largely ceremonial post received a majority in the first round two weeks ago.

Zeman, 73, is favored to win another five-year term but polls suggest a tight race in the two-day ballot starting Friday.

Since he was elected to the post in 2013, Zeman has become known for his strong anti-migrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric. The former left-leaning prime minister has also divided the nation with his pro-Russian stance and support for closer ties with China.